There's both a cap AND a cork! The creamy head pours nicely. The beer is very smooth and malty with a surprisingly dry finish, especially considering the alcohol strength here. Truly inviting: the color and aromatics are especially nice, and one's first taste begs for more. Although this is a fine after-dinner beer, please don't spoil it with a cigar. It demands, rather, a bittersweet dark chocolate truffle for company. This beer is a grand reason to visit San Diego!- Fred Eckhardt

The carbonation seems quite restrained as the russet-brown beer pours from its handsome cork-stoppered bottle. The aroma is biscuity-malty with a hint of fruit and hops. On the palate, the beer is very full-bodied and malty, with moderate bitterness up front, supporting a juicy sweet center. The flavor structure is port-like; the finish is flinty and clean. A well-brewed beer of considerable finesse and dangerous drinkability. Very nice with good Stilton after a meal. Impressive.- Garrett Oliver

Lovely tawny, reddish-brown color. Very appropriate for the style. Dense, creamy head. Aromatic malt and subtle hop in the aroma. Subtle balance of dryness and sweetness in the palate. Creamy body. Delicious, sustaining, soothing. More malt and hop flavors emerging in a dryish, liqueur-ish (passion-fruit?), warming finish. A very good Scotch ale, with its own personality. I think this is the first time I have tasted this beer, but I liked the same brewery’s Alesmith ESB at the Real Ale Festival in Chicago a couple of years ago.- Michael Jackson

Fred EckhardtFred Eckhardt lives, writes about and drinks beer in Portland, OR. He is the author of The Essentials of Beer Style and Saké.

Garrett OliverInternationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.

Michael JacksonAuthor of Ultimate Beer, the Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer and numerous other works on drinks, Jackson has created legions of converts to fine beer.